Smartforce and ACT sign Agreement

ACT, Inc., a provider of assessment, certification and workforce development programs and services for education and business, announced today that they have signed a multi-year, major agreement to provide SmartForce e-Learning through a network of ACT Centres, located primarily at community colleges. This agreement significantly boosts the range of training options offered through the centres, expanding the number of available courses to nearly 2,500

In the first network of its kind, more than 250 two-and four-year colleges across the USA will host ACT Centres to provide state-of-the-art electronic and online testing and training services that can also be accessed by business, government and not-for-profit entities. ACT Centre users will have access to the breadth of SmartForce’s learning solutions covering information technology, business, interpersonal, and management skills.

Deployed to help organisations gain competitive advantage through a more knowledgeable and experienced workforce or to better prepare users for new jobs and better careers, the combination of ACT and SmartForce learning solutions incorporate real-time mentoring with subject matter experts and other collaboration tools for interactive and engaging learning experiences.

“This agreement with SmartForce helps position colleges that sponsor ACT Centres at the forefront of the e-Learning industry in their communities,” said Tom Saterfiel, senior vice president of ACT. “Colleges will be able to enhance their mission to serve the workforce needs in their communities. And businesses will have unprecedented, affordable access to the best training programs on the market to ensure that their employees remain sharp and up-to-date in their job skills.”

“SmartForce is committed to providing learning solutions that help businesses, individuals and academic institutions achieve significant results,” said Greg Priest, chairman and CEO of SmartForce. “The new offerings available through the ACT Centres will enhance educational opportunities that help people to further their careers and improve their competitive positions in the workplace.”

Beyond training, ACT Centres also provide WorkKeys skills-based tests and professional certification and licensure testing.

Training available at ACT Centres include courses from leading publishers in information technology, computer basics, industrial technology and safety skills, management and leadership, adult literacy and employability skills, personal and professional development, and English as a Second Language.

Courses can be taken at an ACT Centre or from a computer at work or at home. This anytime, anywhere option gives people more flexibility in how and when they learn. ACT Centres also feature fully equipped, secure testing facilities to deliver high-stakes tests.

August 7th, 2002